Timber flooring.... Newbie

[ovenboy]

Hi everyone. I have quite a few questions so here goes! I want to lay solid timber overlay floorboards to chipboard flooring of an area of 40 sqM. I like the darker/red colours like Jarrah. Could anyone suggest a similar timber that may be cheaper? where is the best place to buy the timber (i live in the Geelong area). What should i expect to pay? Does everyone secret nail their boards these days so could i still use standard nails/nailing? I dont mind the look of 'oldschool' nailing. If i was to secret nail what would i need, compressor etc? Sorry for all the questions. Hope you can help. cheers, Pete:)

[Gumby]

Hi Pete,

This topic has been covered a lot so if you do a search on timber floors using the search facility on these forums, you'll turn up enough reading for the rest of the day.

As to the question, I have recently had new T&G solid hardwood floors laid over the existing chipboard (20 year old) floor. It's not nailed at all, exceplt in a few spots where it needed a small brad popped in. It's glued down. It's available from Boral and is 12mm thick. The usual boards are 19mm but since these are made to go over an existing floor, you don't need the full 19mm.

Check out http://www.boral.com.au/Article/Timber_Timber_Flooring_-_Slimwood.asp?AUD=homeGarden_TimberFlooring

There must be lots of timber flooring places in Geelong to go and have a look. Boral don't sell direct, you need to go through a supplier. Expect to pay around $130-160 per sqm laid, depending on your choice of timbers. I think the timber would be around $60 per sqm alone, if you want to lay and finish it yourself. I wouldn't recommend that unless you know what you are doing. You have to get it all sanded anyway and the finish is important.

It isn't cheap but it's proper solid timber, not that floating stuff which looks like it should be in a caravan and feels like a sponge to walk on.

[ovenboy]

Is my question a bit too simple for you experts that it it is not worth your while answering any of my questions. Im sorry to bore you.

[E. maculata]

It's not that at all ovenboy, it's the weekend what do woodies do on the weekend?, it's also been sorta answered pretty well by our resident plastiman above, the search function is excellent in case such as this, days of informative reading for the whole family.

Try ironbark, bluegum, red mahogany, grey gum, borals forest reds, redgum, there is quite a few out there just a matter of finding a local source and haggling & it's a buyers market at the moment. Multifit (some called secret nail profile) is able to be nailed either way, I like compressors myself sure make it easier to use the nailgun, but if it's cover your doing maybe ultracet & second row nailing is the go.

[Gumby]

Is my question a bit too simple for you experts that it it is not worth your while answering any of my questions. Im sorry to bore you.

Have a reddy. See if that helps. :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: Oh stuff it., In my haste and anger I gave this tool a green one. I wish they wouldn't default to green. I've done it about 5 times now.:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

ovenboy, or whoever you really are, ZORF!!!!! I've seldom been so orf. :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

Maybe you don't realise it but there have been about 50 views of this post. Since nobody else replied, I also assume that they think your question has been answered. :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

[Studley 2436]

*LOL* It was you Gumby I was wondering how he could have two posts and extra rep allready. Sheeze this guy is hot I was thinking.

Anyway Ovenboy you have to keep cool about things especially seeing it was your first ever post and so on and so on and so on. People have their own lives and you do have to be patient sometimes. If it isn't working adding a post such as please can someone help me? would go better than giving a spray.

To floors Bruce is a font of wisdom regarding timber types. I won't add to what he said except that I have a bit of a soft spot for Blue Gum which is very similar to Jarrah in looks and colour. I did a floor for myself in Cyprus Pine over chipboard using a nailgun and not doing the secret nailing thing. Using an offcut and a chisel as a lever I was able to push the boards in nice and tight on their tongue and groove joints.

Sanding and finishing is a big job. You will need a drum sander and also a buffer type sander to smooth out all the waves. I used a Poly Urethane finish which is allright allthough as I learn more about finishes from this list I wonder if there might be something better out there.

Studley

[Gumby]

At least I spread a few free greenies and was able to give this idiot a red. Some peole, fair dinkum, it's unbelievable. Sturdee might be right.

I'm of to bed. And to say I'm off is an under statement. :mad: :mad:

That is just about the rudest post i've seen on here in over 2 years. (aimed not only at me, but the forum in general) :mad: :mad:

NOT HAPPY JAN !!!!! :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

Maybe a good night's sleep and I'll see it differently.

There's no way he's a newbie. It's somebody stirring. I'd like to know who.

[aabb]

At least I spread a few free greenies and was able to give this idiot a red. Some peole, fair dinkum, it's unbelievable. Sturdee might be right.

I'm of to bed. And to say I'm off is an under statement. :mad: :mad:

That is just about the rudest post i've seen on here in over 2 years. (aimed not only at me, but the forum in general) :mad: :mad:

NOT HAPPY JAN !!!!! :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

Maybe a good night's sleep and I'll see it differently.

There's no way he's a newbie. It's somebody stirring. I'd like to know who.

Totally agreed Gumby - he gets a red from me too.

[ovenboy]

Sorry everyone.... i was drunk. My appologies. But Gumby can get ******.

[Groggy]

Sorry everyone.... i was drunk. My appologies. But Gumby can get ******.It's good to see you apologise, but I think Gumby shouldn't be excluded. He is actually a nice guy under that plastic fascade'.

[Ivan in Oz]

Sorry everyone.... i was drunk. My appologies. But Gumby can get ******.

******.......Hmmm??? Oh!! Thanked


That's nice of you Ovenboy, to Thank Gumby;)

Many newer members don't bother to do a search as they do NOT realise its presence/ability or just can not be bothered.

Most of us on here eat Humble Pie once in a While,
Me, more than I should,
But I mostly learn from my mistakes/errors:D

[glock40sw]

Gumby...You Da Man !!!!
Here...have a greenie, for telling it like it is.

Hooroo.
Regards, Trevor.
Grafton

[ele__13]

Wat a RUDE PERSON GET BACK IN UR OVEN OVEN AND BEEEEP WELL STAY IN THERE ur question was answered dont be so rude and people will help u

[Sturdee]

Sorry everyone.... i was drunk. My appologies. But Gumby can get ******.


Just got around to reading this thread again, after ignoring the the original question as a search would have provided his answer and his fifth red paint square is proudly given by me.


Peter.

[Flooringexpert]

there is a product on the market that is pre finished with a german water based scrach resistant coating. you can get a secret nailer from your local hire shop, which is the best way to fix the timber to the floor. also put a construction glue under every fith board. you can have supply of a dark jarra colour for about $55/m2 and you can have delivery to site for about 80-100 dollars. so the overall price would be approx. $2200 plus delivery.

your can lay it directly over the chip board/ply/existing timber on your floor

Cheers
Jay
if you like you can contact me on (02) 464 777 94

[journeyman Mick]

Mr Flooringexpert,
is the German product really water based or just water wash up?
Why construction glue ? Personally I reckon construction glue is crap, I've seen it fail and I don't ever want to wear the cost of repairs to any of my work so I don't use it. Why every fifth board? I was taught, admittedly not by a flooring expert, but by a few tradesmen with a few lifetimes of experience, to put a dob of polyurethane sealant/adhesive on every joist/board junction. What makes you a flooring expert? A lifetime of experience in producing or installing flooring, or maybe a year or two of flogging the stuff off to unsuspecting punters?:mad:

Mick

[glock40sw]

Yep.
What Mick said.
If you are going to glue, Glue the goddamn lot. NOt just every 5th bloody board. That sounds like crap to me. Use Ultraset or Sika T55.
Either a 4" wiggle down the back of the boards or trowel the lot.

To all who may take Mr Flooringexpert's advise.
Please remember.
Misinformation is rampant on the internet.....:eek:

Hooroo.
Regards, Trevor
Grafton